Will you become CPM's first woman general secretary? Brinda Karat responds

The party congress decides who becomes the party general secretary. Whether it would be a woman or man is an irrelevant question. PB member Brinda Karat was talking to Kerala Kaumudi.

If we look at the age limit criteria, Brinda Karat, who has crossed 75, will have to leave the PB this time. However, there are those who want to make a relaxation and bring in Brinda as the first woman general secretary of the CPM. However, they don't come to the fore to comment on it.

Is Brinda Karat's name under discussion for the post of general secretary?

There has been no such discussion.

Is the relaxation in the age limit only for Pinarayi?

Pinarayi leads the government in Kerala. Relaxations are given in special circumstances. That too is decided by the party congress.

It's Women's Day, how is the progress of women in the country?

Violence against women is increasing across the country. Kerala is at the forefront of women's progress. This should continue to be so. Here, there are women in the party and in the administration. Women are coming to corporations and district panchayats without reservation. There are women from party branches to the politburo. But that is not the case in other parties. That needs to change.

How do you assess Kerala?

Today, Kerala is at the forefront of development and socio-cultural fields in the country. It was formed by the Left government. Even when the Center is squeezing Kerala economically, Kerala is moving forward. The third Left government is not imaginary. It is real. Kerala will write its verdict for the Left government this time too.

Will the ASHA workers' strike continue on Women's Day?

ASHA workers should get justice. The party's stance is to make them permanent workers. They should get fair wages. At the same time, let's not forget that ASHA is a central government scheme. The cause of the problems is the negative stance taken by the Center. The opposition here is attacking the government without knowing the reality. Their problems should be resolved as soon as possible.